5K races become popular fundraisers

There are many ways for nonprofit groups to raise money. They can sell candy or cookies, hold yard sales, put on golf tournaments, sponsor fancy dinners.

By Jim RossCity editor

There are many ways for nonprofit groups to raise money. They can sell candy or cookies, hold yard sales, put on golf tournaments, sponsor fancy dinners.They also can ask people to pay $20 or so for the privilege of running 3.1 miles along the streets and paths of Marion County.The latter option requires much more effort than does the average golf scramble or steak fry. In fact, many people might gladly pay $20 not to run 3.1 miles — or any other measurable distance.Yet there it is, the ubiquitous 5K race, a staple of the local charity scene. On just about any Saturday a runner can lace up his or her shoes and try to achieve a personal best while simultaneously helping a worthy local cause.Why do so many groups sponsor these races, with more entries being added all the time?For the most simple reason: They yield good results.Last year, the Youth United Way's annual St. Paddy's Day race garnered almost $10,000 in runner fees and sponsorship payments. The race money is traditionally the first entry into the United Way's annual fundraising campaign.The biggest local 5K is held each Thanksgiving morning at the Frank DeLuca YMCA. This year, thanks in large part to the Y's partnership with Munroe Regional Medical Center, some 2,000 (partially frozen) Turkey Trotters scooted through southeast Ocala and helped raise $40,000 for scholarships that help kids, families, adults and seniors participate in Y programs.You might expect 5K fundraisers from the United Way and the Y/Munroe partnership, since those groups have a special dedication to the community's overall health.But churches, charities and schools are lining up their spot on the event calendar, as well.Dr. N.H. Jones Elementary School just had its third annual "Race to the Holidays." Blessed Trinity School is holding its first 5K race later this month, just a week after the Take Stock in Children run.Vanguard High School has two runs coming up: the Tiger Run for Vietnam, benefitting the Landon Carter Schmitt Memorial Fund; and the traditional Valentine's run.And so it goes throughout the year, leading up to the annual Reindeer Run, which always precedes the Christmas Parade.Last April, more than 400 runners and walkers queued up at Baseline Greenway Trailhead — the "in" place for 5K races these days — and ran or walked in support of the Helping Hands Foundation. It was the nascent group's first such race.Holly Miley is public relations director for Helping Hands and also a runner who has participated in charity 5Ks."It did seem like a no-brainer that we at least attempt to try it (a 5K) out as a fundraiser," she recalled.Mission accomplished: Helping Hands took in about $36,000 after expenses.This year, on May 10, Helping Hands will host another 5K. The special guest will be Jim Ryun,who in 1964, in Kansas, became the first high school student to break the four-minute mile.Marion County isn't the only place where running is having such a good run. Nationwide, 6.2 million people finished a 5K race in 2012 — a 17.5 percent increase from the prior year, according to Running USA.There were 15,000 5K races, many of them linked to a charity.And don't forget the new kids on the block: mud races and obstacle races, which provide some extra challenges as the runners make their way along the path.Why are 5K races so popular? As Running USA's figures attest, running is an increasingly popular fitness activity. The Internet is replete with how-to guides for 5K training. And many people view 5K races — particularly those tied to fundraising efforts — as an easy entry point to the sport."They're not as intimidating" as bigger races, said Darrin DeTorres, 26, who ran cross-country during his Vanguard days. He now helps coach the team and also organizes some local races.Plus, 5Ks are fun. One Turkey Trot runner dressed as a pilgrim this year. Some people push kid-filled strollers as they gallop.Running is one of those activities that can be social or solitary. People run alone, in pairs, in groups — and sometimes all of the above, at various times.Also, like golf, aptitude is not required. The high school cross-country kids can run 3.1 miles in 17 minutes flat — or better — but most people cruise at lower speeds and are only trying to meet their individual goals, best their personal best time, or keep pace with a running buddy."I think it's an experience thing," DeTorres said. "You finish a race (and) you feel accomplished."In June, DeTorres will host the second annual Running of the Donuts. There is a traditional 5K, followed immediately by a local version of a popular hybrid 5K: Run 1½ miles, eat six doughnuts, then finish the race.Particularly hearty souls can try to finish both runs.Tina Banner, vice president of resource development for United Way, said awards and T-shirts are among the primary expenses for race organizers.The fee at Baseline Greenway Trailhead is modest, and there is no traffic to contend with, so that park is a popular place for 5K runs.The United Way run is a bit more complicated, since the course is through downtown Ocala and some traffic needs to be re-routed. But the unique setup also is a selling point for the race, said Banner, who herself has been bitten by the running bug.Contact Jim Ross at 671-6412 or jim.ross@ocala.com. Follow him on Twitter @jimross96.